1
as in wicked
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
the children had been so mischievous that we had to pay the babysitter extra and then clean up the mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naughty
engaging in or marked by childish misbehavior
punished for their mischievous tricks on the neighbors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dangerous
causing or capable of causing harm
mischievous gossip that ruined a good teacher's reputation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mischievous
Clark, who wore a mischievous smile, flayed her arm once more for the dramatics before stepping on the court and finishing a defensive drill.
—
James Boyd, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Isaacs appeared in the film series as the father of Tom Felton's Draco Malfoy, a Hogwarts student wizard who serves as a mischievous antagonist opposite Harry Potter (Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Grint), and Hermione Granger (Watson).
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Since the clip of the cats went viral, internet users have lauded the mischievous duo, leading to more than 260 comments on the post so far.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Ramona is an imaginative (and mischievous) fourth grader who is always up to something.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischievous
James Boyd, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Isaacs appeared in the film series as the father of Tom Felton's Draco Malfoy, a Hogwarts student wizard who serves as a mischievous antagonist opposite Harry Potter (Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Grint), and Hermione Granger (Watson).
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Since the clip of the cats went viral, internet users have lauded the mischievous duo, leading to more than 260 comments on the post so far.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Ramona is an imaginative (and mischievous) fourth grader who is always up to something.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischievous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischievous
Adjective
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Dodgers starter Dustin May was good, dotting the corners of the strike zone with his wicked sinker-sweeper combination en route to a 6 ⅔-inning, two-run, five-strikeout outing — his longest since returning from a second career elbow surgery this year.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2025
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Enter Halvorsen, who struck out the dangerous Torkelson, walked McKinstry to load the bases, and then struck out Dillon Dingler with a wicked 2-2 slider.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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They are seen flinging a pizza box into their bucolic yard, smearing their faces with paint, raising their middle fingers, and saying naughty words.—
Peter Tonguette,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Mar. 2025
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Listen to this article There’s nice Torrey Pines and naughty Torrey Pines.—
Bryce Miller,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Maddison is responsible for dropping deep and pinging passes into dangerous areas, while Kulusevski and Bergvall are excellent ball-carriers.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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With all the drama unfolding at the Harrigan's, you could be forgiven for losing track of Harry's dangerous rescue mission.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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The two then engaged in playful flirtation that escalated into a steamy encounter in another stall.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
18 May 2025
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Plus, the playful green shade will add a pop of color to any summer travel wardrobe.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2025
Adjective
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However, despite more medical visits, many face challenges in getting consistent care and treatment, leading to worse flare-ups and long-term issues.13 Genetics isn't the only reason for these differences.—
Health,
Health,
11 May 2025
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In Your Lawn Clover isn't a bad plant to have growing amongst the grass.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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These are among the many casualties of the Trump administration's decision to level a research agency that has devoted much of its energy over the past five decades to reducing people's exposure to harmful chemicals and other dangerous conditions in the workplace.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
2 May 2025
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Along the way, it is divulged that Saw has not been protecting himself with a gas mask from the harmful rhydonium fumes.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Whenever O’Brien was onstage, balancing impish humor with a palpable love for movies and compassion for an industry where so many recently lost so much to the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, the ceremony felt light and loose.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
3 Mar. 2025
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These glassy encasements elevated each itty-bitty snapshot of kitschy urban ephemera (a taxi cab, a bodega coffee cup, a slice of pizza, a smiley-face plastic shopping bag) to a surprising elegance—undercut with impish humor.—
Marina Harss,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Mowing too little or too much can have adverse consequences for the health of the lawn and can also encourage unwanted plants to grow.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
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Additionally, the stock is perpetually vulnerable to adverse effects from unexpected increases in commodity costs or regulatory scrutiny concerning health claims associated with functional beverages.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Video
'Mispronunciations' That May Be Fine
'Mischievous,' 'nuclear,' and other words to pronounce with caution.
Cite this Entry
“Mischievous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischievous. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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